In the Channel Islands, in the English Channel, off the coast of France

 “The air is sharp, and I understand why years ago sea air was prescribed as a tonic for the body.” ― Anita Shreve, The Weight of Water

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(an archipelago in the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy) The Channel Islands lie to the west of the Cotentin peninsula of France, at the entrance to the Gulf of Saint-Malo, 80 miles (130 km) south of the English coast. The islands are dependencies of the British crown, having been so attached since the Norman Conquest of 1066, when they formed part of the duchy of Normandy. They comprise four main islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark), with lesser islets and a labyrinth of rocks and reefs. They are administered according to local laws and customs, being grouped into two distinct bailiwicks (Guernsey and Jersey), with differing constitutions. The islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm, and Alderney attract visitors with exquisite coastlines, shaded lanes, and old-world charm. Not quite Britain and not quite France, they are proudly independent, self-governing British Crown dependencies that straddle the gap between the two. Their citizens owe allegiance to Her Majesty, the Queen, but some still speak local dialects that stem from medieval Norman French. Famed for their quiet charm and old-fashioned courtesy, the Channel Islands offer a unique blend of Britishness with a taste of France. Fine scenery, flowering vegetation, and a mild maritime climate have made the Channel Islands popular resort areas. The islands are famous for their breeds of cattle and for the export of fruit, flowers, tomatoes, and early potatoes. The warm Gulf of St Malo supports subtropical plants and a fascinating array of birdlife. The Channel Islands enjoy sunnier days and milder winters than the UK, attracting walkers and outdoor-types for surfing, kayaking, and diving. Great local seafood graces the tables of local restaurants in the culture hubs of St Helier (Guernsey) and St Peter Port (Jersey) -- the islands’ main population centers. Numerous forts and castles dot the coastlines, while poignant museums – some housed in old war tunnels and bunkers – provide insight into the islanders' fortitude during WWII. Featured here is Jersey island, – where tourists will find hidden bays with golden sands, unspoiled countryside, and a pleasant, temperate climate. Guarded by Elizabeth Castle, the capital St Helier offers much to explore, including an art gallery, a maritime museum, and the unique Glass Church -- featuring designs by Rene Lalique. Consider taking a catamaran around the coastline to see the famous Corbiere Lighthouse, taste local produce on a visit to a wine estate, or tour the Jersey War Tunnels to hear the poignant story of the German Occupation during WWII.

At the Ludwigskirche in Old Saarbrücken, Germany

 "It seems to me that if you were to take almost any half-century in history, you'd find a grand societal tug-of-war between the community and the individual." -- Lauren Groff

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(in Germany) Saarland, also called Saar, is a state that is bounded by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate to the north and east and by France to the south and southwest, and Luxembourg to the northwest. The heart of Saarland is an area of thickly forested hills that is crossed from southeast to northwest by the Saar River valley. This lowland is framed to the north by the edge of the Hunsrück highland and to the south by the French region of Lorraine. Saarland derives its name from the Saar River, whose banks are lined with sights to see, from its capital city of Saarbrücken (featured here) to the phenomenon of the sharp hairpin turn in the river known as the Saarschleife, or Saar Loop. The cultural influences of France and Luxembourg are reflected not only in Saarland's history but also in its cuisine. It is easy for visitors to relax in this area, far from mass tourism. Michelin-starred cuisine, a Franco-German way of life, and the world's first industrial UNESCO World Heritage site are the pride of this small, Francophile state. The first place to visit here is the Old Town center. In the 18th century, the prince of Nassau-Saarbrücken had the town expanded as a Baroque royal seat. The Baroque church known as the Ludwigskirche (depicted below) is a particular gem, and it's the state capital's main landmark. The territory around Saarbrücken, though inhabited by German-speaking people, was much influenced by France in the 150 years following the Peace of Westphalia (in 1648). Saar became a French province in 1684 under the Truce of Regensburg, but in 1697 France was forced to surrender most of Saar under the Treaty of Rijswijk. From 1792 to 1815 France again occupied Saar, together with the west bank of the Rhine. With the final defeat of Napoleon I in 1815, France was forced to cede most of Saar to Prussia. When Alsace-Lorraine was added to the German Empire in 1871, Saar experienced rapid industrial development based on its own coal deposits and the iron-ore deposits of Lorraine. After World War I, Saar’s coal mines were awarded to France, and Saarland was placed under the administration of the League of Nations for 15 years, at the end of which time a plebiscite resulted in its return to Germany. In 1945, French military forces occupied Saarland, and two years later the first Saar state parliament adopted a constitution that called for an autonomous Saar in an economic union with France. By 1954, however, France and the Federal Republic of Germany agreed to a statute that provided for Saar’s autonomy under a European commissioner. In a referendum that soon followed, Saar’s voters rejected that statute, and the French agreed to the return of Saar to West Germany, and on January 1, 1957, Saarland achieved its present status as a federal state of Germany.

In the city of Kraków, a southern Poland city near the border of the Czech Republic

 "You are in a country that comes and goes, where the people have been mistreated but rarely oppose. Borders have changed by rulers from afar, although sometimes closer than neighborhoods are. Their religion is sacred and the heavens smile down, but the history they keep will lead you to frown." ― Sean F. Hogan, Painting Angels

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(in one of the oldest cities in Poland) Found on the upper Vistula River in the Lesser Poland Province in southern Poland, the city of Kraków dates back to the 7th century. Its marketplace, Rynek Główny (Main Square), has existed since the 13th century, and a modern landscaped area is laid out on the site of past fortifications. The official capital of Poland until the late 16th-century, this city has traditionally been one of the leading centers of Polish academic, economic, cultural, and artistic life. Cited as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, its Old Town was declared one of the world's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites (all of which were named to the list in September, 1978). Between 1795 and 1918 the city was controlled by Austria, except from 1809 to 1815, when it existed as part of the Duchy of Warsaw, and from 1815 to 1846, when, with its surrounding territory, it formed an independent republic. During the latter half of the 19th century, the city redeveloped under relaxed Austrian control, until it regained its former stature. In 1918 Kraków was returned to Poland, only to be taken by the Germans at the beginning of World War II. The German governor, who made his headquarters in Wawel Castle, executed the university’s teaching staff and sent some 55,000 Jews from the city to the Auschwitz II (Birkenau) death camp. In 1945 Kraków was liberated by rapidly advancing Soviet forces, and it suffered far less damage than other cities in the region. Thousands of historic buildings and sites are found in the city today. Most prominent are the many churches, including St. Mary’s Church, the main section of which dates from 1497. Wawel Cathedral houses several ornate chapels and burial chambers, along with a collection of ecclesiastical art. Originally constructed in the early 11th century, the cathedral was rebuilt in 1142 and 1364, and it was renovated in 1712 in its current Gothic style. Two defensive fortifications remain from medieval times, a legacy of the city’s perpetual struggle against invaders. The Barbican, a circular bastion with brick walls that are three meters thick, was built in the 15th century adjacent to the other remaining structure, the 13th-century Florian Gate. The city’s Jewish quarter, in the district of Kazimierz, contains Remu’h Cemetery, which includes numerous well-preserved tombstones from the 16th century. A city for centuries appreciated for its cultural heritage has also become a European center of gastronomic heritage. (In 2019, the city of Kraków was granted the title of European Capital of Gastronomic Culture by the European Academy of Gastronomy.)

In the capital city of Helsinki, Finland

 " Joka vanhoja muistelee, sitä tikulla silmään." ("A poke in the eye for the one, who dwells on the past.") -- a Finnish saying

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(in southern Finland) Helsinki, the capital of the country, is found on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. Often considered to be Finland's only metropolis, it is the world's northernmost metropolitan area with more than a million people; it is also the northernmost capital of an EU member state. Sitting on the edge of the Baltic Sea, the modern, cosmopolitan city of Helsinki offers the beauty of its natural surroundings, which blends quite nicely with its high-tech achievements and contemporary trends. An eyes-wide-open walk through the city's center reveals layers of history, while modern architecture and cutting-edge style suggest a city that's looking far into the future. Visit Helsinki during its endless summer days or wait a bit, and enjoy some adventure here -- on snowy winter nights. While it is a culture-packed urban center, Helsinki is indeed surrounded by sublime natural environment that's easily reached from every part of the city. Opportunities for activity abound here, from boating to the islands of its archipelago, strolling along its beaches (or through its extensive parks and gardens), and hiking in surrounding forests. When snow blankets this city in the Winter, and Helsinki freezes over, snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing on the bays are quite invigorating ways to keep warm while remaining in touch with Luontoäiti (Mother Nature). Although Finland is known for its streamlined, functional, stylish design, pioneers such as Alvar and Aino Aalto cemented its reputation in the 20th century, and the capital continues to be the country's creative hub. Helsinki's modern design scene is now one of the most stimulating in the world today, and a major influence across the globe. Boutiques, workshops, and galleries filled with glassware, lighting, textiles, and innovative homewares proliferate in the Design District just south of the city center, in Punavuori, which is home to Helsinki's superb Design Museum -- and throughout the city, from thoroughfares to repurposed industrial spaces. Besides the design scene, architecture in Helsinki is also flourishing. Contemporary highlights include the Kiasma museum of contemporary art and the concert hall (Musiikkitalo). Modernism is exemplified by Alvar Aalto's Akateeminen Kirjakauppa and Finlandia Talo concert hall, along with Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen's awesome rock-carved church, the Temppeliaukio. Finland's art-nouveau movement, National Romanticism, has also left a glorious legacy of buildings, as exemplified by the city's beautiful train station. Functionalism, wooden architecture, and Byzantine-Russian, neo-Renaissance, and neoclassical styles are all now woven into the fabric of today's Helsinki.

In the city of Weimar, in the federal state of Thuringia, in central Germany

 "Consider a resident of Berlin, born in 1900 and living to the ripe age of one hundred. She spent her childhood in the Hohenzollern Empire of William II; her adult years in the Weimar Republic, the Nazi Third Reich and Communist East Germany; and she died a citizen of a democratic and reunified Germany. She had managed to be a part of five very different sociopolitical systems, though her DNA remained exactly the same. — Yuval Noah Harari

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(in the federal state of Thuringia, Germany) The city of Weimar is found in Central Germany between Erfurt in the west and Jena in the east. Weimar was a focal point of the German Enlightenment and home of the leading figures of the literary genre of Weimar Classicism, writers Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. In the 19th century, noted composers such as Franz Liszt made Weimar a music center. Later, artists and architects such as Henry van de Velde, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Lyonel Feininger, and Walter Gropius came to the city and founded the Bauhaus movement, the most important German design school of the interwar period. You’ll see them memorialized on the streets, in museums and in reverently preserved houses across town. The political history of 20th-century Weimar, however, was quite volatile. It was the place where Germany's first democratic constitution was signed after the First World War, giving its name to the Weimar Republic period of German politics (between 1918 and 1933) Weimar is also the place where, post-WWI, the constitution of the German Reich, known by historians as the Weimar Republic (was drafted, though there are strangely few reminders of this historical moment. (Nearby, the unadorned, unaltered remains of the Buchenwald concentration camp provide sobering testament to the crimes of the subsequent Nazi regime.) In summer, Weimar’s many parks and gardens lend themselves to quiet contemplation of all this intellectual and cultural gravity (or alternatively, allow you to take a break from it). Featured here is Schloss Belvedere, a Palace in Weimar that is set amid Belvedere Park's lovely 43 hectares (~106 acres), this early-18th-century gem was once the hunting lodge of Duke Ernst August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Outside, the formal gardens and orangery have been carefully restored; inside there's an 18th-century craft museum displaying glass, porcelain, faience (glazed ceramic ware) and furniture in gorgeously decorated apartments. on the outskirts of Weimar, it was really a pleasure-house (Lustschloss) built for house-parties, between 1724-and 1732, to designs of Johann August Richter and Gottfried Heinrich Krohne for Ernst August ("the Duke").

In the city of Salzburg on the border of Germany, Austria

 "A man of ordinary talent will always be ordinary, whether he travels or not; but a man of superior talent will go to pieces if he remains forever in the same place." -- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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(in Austria) The city of Salzburg, capital of the Salzburg Bundesland (federal state), is found in a level basin on both sides of the Salzach River near the northern foothills of the Alps and the Bavarian (German) border. The historic center of the city, with its great mixture of art and architecture, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. A unique combination of scenic Alpine landscape and architectural richness has led to Salzburg’s reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Because of the building activities of its later archbishops, however, little remains of its medieval architecture, and several buildings were damaged or destroyed by fire in 1818. Its main attributes are the episcopal buildings and the burghers’ houses, displaying an Italian Renaissance and Baroque influence that earned Salzburg the designation of the “German Rome.” In the center of town, on the left bank of the Salzach, is the Residenzplatz with the archbishop’s residence, a gallery of 16th–19th century European paintings, and a large Baroque fountain. Opposite is the Residenz Neugebäude (Residence New Building; its tower contains clockwork and carillon (Glockenspiel) that was imported from Antwerp, Belgium. The 35 bells that make up the carillon range in size from 35 pounds (16 kg) to 838 pounds (380 kg) and play many pieces specially composed by Michael Haydn and by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It’s been more than 250 years since he lived here, but Mozart is still very much Salzburg’s favorite son. Visit the composer’s residence and birthplace, then explore the Altstadt (Old Town), while taking in the baroque architecture. The cathedral, or Dom, was the first church built in the Italian style on German soil, according to plans elaborated in the early 17th century. It was constructed on the site of a previous Romanesque cathedral (damaged by fire in 1598) and an earlier, 8th-century basilica. Near the Mönchsberg (Monks’ Hill), a wooded ridge overlooking the Old Town, is the Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter; most of its buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries, and its church was remodeled in the Rococo style. North of the abbey is the Franciscan Church, with a Romanesque nave, a 15th-century Gothic choir, and Baroque chapels. Crowning Monks’ Hill is the great fortress of Hohensalzburg, which served as the archbishops’ residence during the wars of the 15th and 16th centuries. Also on the hill are St. George’s Church and the Nonnberg Nunnery. Salzburg's most visible icon is its mighty, 900-year-old fortress, one of the biggest and best preserved in Europe. It is easy to spend half a day up here, roaming the ramparts for far-reaching views over the city's spires, the Salzach River, and the mountains.

In the capital city of Bern, Switzerland

 "Switzerland is a small, steep country, much more up and down than sideways, and is all stuck over with large brown hotels built on the cuckoo style of architecture." -- Ernest Hemingway

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(in the de facto capital of Switzerland, referred to by the Swiss as their "federal city") In the west-central part of the country, the city of Bern is found along a narrow loop of the Aare River. The existence of the ancient castle of Nydegg, guarding a crossing over the Aare, is said to have led Berthold V, duke of Zähringen, to establish Bern in 1191 as a military post on the frontier between the German-speaking "Alemanni" and the French-speaking inhabitants of Burgundy. After the extinction of the Zähringen dynasty (in 1218), Bern became a free imperial city. Gradually it extended its power by acquiring surrounding territory, becoming an independent state that in 1353 entered the Swiss Confederation, which it soon began to lead. After a devastating fire ravaged the predominantly wood-built town in 1405, Bern was rebuilt with sandstone. Although much of the surrounding metropolis has since been modernized, the city center (Old Bern) remains intact from that period. Bern’s flag-festooned, cobbled center, rebuilt in distinctive grey-green sandstone after the 1405 fire, is an aesthetic delight, with six kilometers (~4 mi.) of covered arcades, cellar shops and bars, and fantastical folk figures frolicking on 16th-century fountains. From the surrounding hills, visitors are presented with an equally captivating picture of red roofs arrayed on a spit of land on the Aare River bend. A powerful force since medieval times, the thriving Swiss "capital" is now an appealing city of museums and collections. The Historical Museum and the Collection of the Bern Museum of Fine Arts house the art and architecture of millennia. The Einstein House and the Paul Klee Center showcase the work of two of Bern's famous former inhabitants. In short, Bern seduces and surprises at every turn. Its museums are excellent, its drinking scene dynamic, and its locals happy to switch from their famously lilting dialect to textbook French, High German, or English – which all tends to suggest that there’s far more to Bern than government bureaucracy.

In the autonomous community of Aragón, northeastern Spain

 "Stop and take your time to notice things and make those things you notice matter." -- Cecelia Ahern

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(in eastern Aragón, Spain) The autonomous community of Aragón), a historical region of northeastern Spain, is bounded by France to the north and Catalonia to the east, Valencia to the southeast, Castile–La Mancha to the southwest, and Castile-León, La Rioja, and Navarra to the west. Aragón offers great attractions wherever you might roam, from the crusader-like castles and Romanesque churches of the north to the outstanding Mudéjar architecture of Teruel in the south. The regional capital, Zaragoza, is a major Spanish city of culture (e.g., as reflected in the work of local artist Francisco de Goya), while dozens of lovely medieval villages dot the serrated landscape, from pink-hued Albarracín to stone-covered Sos del Rey Católico. What sets Aragón apart, however, is the majesty of the central Pyrenees along its northern fringe. The highest section of that mountain range, it is a delightful sight for sore eyes and a natural adventure playground, with not just Spain's finest hiking and climbing, but also much of its best skiing, canyoning, rafting, and paragliding. Featured here is Matarraña, is a comarca (county) in eastern Aragón -- located in Teruel Province, in the mountainous Sistema Ibérico area, it is nestled among the Aragón, Catalonia and Valencia counties, with its capital located in the lovely town of Valderrobres. Not far from the Mediterranean Sea, the comarca was named after the Matarraña River that flows through it, in the Catalan-speaking strip in eastern Aragón known as La Franja. Far from the maddening (tourist) crowds, Matarraña is a great destination for a quiet weekend getaway. Indeed, you probably should embrace slower modes of travel when visiting Matarraña. The region is often compared to the Italian region of Tuscany for its tranquility and serene atmosphere, with nice, rural accommodation options, and singular spots in the middle of a lovely natural environment that still remains off the beaten path and is among the Starlight Tourist Destinations for its clean sky and ideal conditions for observing the stars, The Matarraña region is home to picture perfect medieval towns with wonderful examples of Baroque architecture. The best way to explore Calaceite, Fresneda, and Valderrobres, which are among the most interesting towns, is by walking around their old quarters: you’ll stumble upon historical places such as churches, town halls and hermitages that reflect their rich architectural legacy from the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition, a trip from Calaceite to Mazaleón makes a great tour for archaeological enthusiasts, with unique cave paintings and Iberian settlements along the way. In addition, the Picasso Center in Horta de Sant Joan showcases reproductions of the works that the great Spanish artist produced in this town, where he spent time in 1898/99 (and later in 1909).

In the capital city of Florence, middle of Tuscany on the Arno River, Italy

 "...You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should...."
-- Max Ehrmann, Desiderata
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(in the center of the Italy, surrounded by gently rolling hills covered with villas, farms, vineyards, and orchards) In the middle of Tuscany on the Arno River lies Florence, one of Europe's most beautiful cities, brimming with culture and art. The Dome of Florence is found in the city center; Ghiberti's gilded Gates of Paradise and the cathedral's multi-colored marble façade attract tourists in droves. On Piazza della Signoria, they are afforded the opportunity to admire an exact replica of Michelangelo's David. (The original is in the Accademia Gallery.) Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence, was built in 1345. This bridge over the Arno River houses only jewelers (due to a tradition that dates back to the 16th century). Exiting Ponte Vecchio to the south, one enters a quarter that offers an experience that best reflects the "true character" of Florence. (Nothing but narrow alleys and artists' studios for as far as the eye can see.) For centuries sculptures hewn here have been destined for public squares and private individuals in and around Florence. Indeed, this city is considered to be the artistic, historical, and cultural capital of not only Tuscany, but all of Italy A provincial city with an international flair, and a shrine to the Renaissance, Florence offers not just frescoes and sculptures, but also churches, palaces, and other monuments from the richest cultural-flowering the world has ever known. The city's urban fabric has hardly changed since the Renaissance; its narrow streets evoke a thousand tales, and its food and wine are so great that the tag "Fiorentina" has become an international label of quality assurance. The energy of Florence is indescribable -- overflowing with bustle and charm, teeming with life. Every corner bears new treasures, every cobblestone a gem. The stones are infused with history and culture and knowledge -- still exuding the presence of many generations, while bearing the weight of giants. A city of color, its intricately designed buildings are filled with hand-carved details. A place that has remained intact, there is a genuineness to the city and its people, which has been attested to, and affirmed, by so many famous poets and writers. The awesome art of the city makes for a kaleidoscopic circus of colors, figures, lines, and shapes that dazzle the eye. The aromas of local cuisine waft out of the trattorie and into the streets. And the sounds of the city -- from the bells of the imposing campanile to the massive organs, to street musicians -- all combine to render a marvelous musical melody that follows you everywhere. (A city made for walking, Florence suits me perfectly -- but what never ceases to amaze virtually anyone, is its overwhelming beauty.)

At the Rodenberg house, in the city of Dortmund, Germany

 “Keep moving through valleys to find your sight,

As the dark becomes the light,
Keep moving up mountains to find your strength,
As you climb the hardest length.”
― Laura Robert
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(in the North Rhine–Westphalia Land (state), of western Germany) The city of Dortmund, found at the southern terminus of the Dortmund-Ems Canal, has extensive port installations. First mentioned as Throtmanni in 885, Dortmund became a free imperial city in 1220 and later joined the Hanseatic League. Its far-ranging trade connections made it so prosperous in the 14th century that the English crown was pledged to its merchants as security for loans several times. Its prosperity declined after the Thirty Years’ War, and, when it lost its imperial rights in 1803, its population numbered only about 4,000. The development of coal mining and iron-ore mining in the 19th century and the completion of the canal in 1899 stimulated rapid growth, and Dortmund is now a major transportation and industrial center of the Ruhrgebiet (Rhur valley). These days, however, the mines are closed and the steel mills quiet, with more zeitgeist-compatible high-tech industries having taken their place. Only the breweries are still running strong as ever, churning out rivers of beer and ale -- much of it for export. Dortmund also has a large wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The city was largely destroyed during World War II, which led to lots of reconstruction on modern lines. Four medieval churches -- the Propsteikirche, the Reinoldikirche, the Marienkirche, and the Petrikirche -- have been restored, and the city retains four moated castles and the ruins of Saxon and Carolingian fortresses. Notable examples of modern architecture are the synagogue (built in 1956) and the Westfalenhalle (Westphalia Hall) in 1952 -- one of Europe’s largest halls, which is used for conventions, exhibitions, and sporting events. In the 1980s a casino and a new town hall were constructed. The city is home to the University of Dortmund (opened in 1968), with institutes for molecular physiology and spectro-analysis, Münster University’s Social Research Institute, and schools for social studies, journalistic research, mountaineering, mining, teacher training, and adult education. Dortmund also has several museums, including the Museum of Art and Culture, which houses the “Dortmund treasure,” a cache of more than 400 gold coins; the Ostwall Museum, which features 20th-century art, sculpture, and graphic art; and a natural history museum. (Be sure to visit the Reinoldkirche or the Marienkirche, and the ruins of Hohensyburg Castle.) Depicted here, is “Keep moving through valleys to find your sight,
As the dark becomes the light,
Keep moving up mountains to find your strength,
As you climb the hardest length.”
― Laura Robert
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(in the North Rhine–Westphalia Land (state), of western Germany) The city of Dortmund, found at the southern terminus of the Dortmund-Ems Canal, has extensive port installations. First mentioned as Throtmanni in 885, Dortmund became a free imperial city in 1220 and later joined the Hanseatic League. Its far-ranging trade connections made it so prosperous in the 14th century that the English crown was pledged to its merchants as security for loans several times. Its prosperity declined after the Thirty Years’ War, and, when it lost its imperial rights in 1803, its population numbered only about 4,000. The development of coal mining and iron-ore mining in the 19th century and the completion of the canal in 1899 stimulated rapid growth, and Dortmund is now a major transportation and industrial center of the Ruhrgebiet (Rhur valley). These days, however, the mines are closed and the steel mills quiet, with more zeitgeist-compatible high-tech industries having taken their place. Only the breweries are still running strong as ever, churning out rivers of beer and ale -- much of it for export. Dortmund also has a large wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The city was largely destroyed during World War II, which led to lots of reconstruction on modern lines. Four medieval churches -- the Propsteikirche, the Reinoldikirche, the Marienkirche, and the Petrikirche -- have been restored, and the city retains four moated castles and the ruins of Saxon and Carolingian fortresses. Notable examples of modern architecture are the synagogue (built in 1956) and the Westfalenhalle (Westphalia Hall) in 1952 -- one of Europe’s largest halls, which is used for conventions, exhibitions, and sporting events. In the 1980s a casino and a new town hall were constructed. The city is home to the University of Dortmund (opened in 1968), with institutes for molecular physiology and spectro-analysis, Münster University’s Social Research Institute, and schools for social studies, journalistic research, mountaineering, mining, teacher training, and adult education. Dortmund also has several museums, including the Museum of Art and Culture, which houses the “Dortmund treasure,” a cache of more than 400 gold coins; the Ostwall Museum, which features 20th-century art, sculpture, and graphic art; and a natural history museum. (Be sure to visit the Reinoldkirche or the Marienkirche, and the ruins of Hohensyburg Castle.) Depicted here, is Haus Rodenberg is a moated castle in the Aplerbeck district of Dortmund. Today, the Rodenberg house is home to seminar rooms of the Volkshochschule Dortmund (an Adult Education Center), the fairytale stage (a puppet theater for children and adults), and upscale gastronomy. The premises of Haus Rodenberg can be rented for "ambience weddings" via the Volkshochschule. Today, the Rodenberg house is home to seminar rooms of the Volkshochschule Dortmund (an Adult Education Center), the fairytale stage (a puppet theater for children and adults), and upscale gastronomy. The premises of Haus Rodenberg can be rented for "ambience weddings" via the Volkshochschule.

At the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels, Belgium

 "I have only one goal and one desire, namely to give myself a practical instruction, to get to know the world and its inhabitants. There will come times when this knowledge will be of use to me."-- Prince Leopold II (in 1854, before he ascended to the throne of Belgium in 1865)

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(in Belgium's valley of the Senne River, a tributary of the Schelde) Brussels is the administrative, commercial, and financial heart of Belgium, and the majority of services and institutions of national importance are based in the city. In addition, Brussels is a major European tourist and cultural attraction, functioning simultaneously as a regional metropolis and an international center. In the latter role, it has flourished since the city became host to the European Community (ultimately succeeded by the EU) as well as to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters. Brussels’ magnificent Grand Place is one of the world’s most unforgettable urban ensembles. Rather hidden, the enclosed cobblestone square is only revealed as you enter on foot from one of six narrow side alleys. The focal point is the spired 15th-century city hall, but each of the antique guildhalls (mostly 1697–1705) has a charm of its own. (The Grand Place is indeed one of the world’s most beautiful squares.)

In the city of Sighișoara, region of Transilvania, Romania

 “In torment, there was release.

In the darkness, there was light.
In solitude, there were companions.”
― C.C. Humphreys, Vlad: The Last Confession
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(on the Târnava Mare River in Mureș County in Romania's historical region of Transylvania) The city of Sighișoara is a popular tourist destination that is known for its well-preserved Old Town, which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sighişoara’s pastel-colored buildings, stony lanes, and medieval towers offer an irresistible opportunity for exploration (i.e., without digging too deeply into this beguiling place). Fortified walls encircle Sighişoara’s lustrous merchant houses, now harboring cafes, hotels, and craft shops. Lurking in the shadows of the gingerbread roofs and turrets of the Old Town, however, is the history of Vlad Ţepeş, the notorious 15th-century Wallachian prince who was allegedly born here, in a house that can be visited yet today. Ţepeş is best remembered as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula, fueling a local industry here, of vampire-themed souvenirs. Find the courage to venture along the alleys, hike to the hilltop church, and sip coffee at cafes that are now some 500 years old. (Sighişoara also makes far a great jumping-off point to explore nearby Saxon villages, such as Viscri and Biertan.)

At the Eltz Castle, in the town of Wierschem, Germany

 "Without words, without writing and without books there would be no history, there could be no concept of humanity." -- Hermann Hesse

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(in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate) Nestled in the hills above the Moselle River between Trier and Koblenz in the town of Wierschem, where Burg Eltz stands on a 70-meter-high rock surrounded on three sides by the Eltzbach stream. It's one of only three medieval castles still intact on the left bank of the Rhine River. Construction on Eltz Castle began in 1157 and took nearly 500 years to be completed. Found at the head of the beautiful Moselle side-valley (the Eltz), Burg Eltz is one of Germany's most romantic medieval castles. Never destroyed, this fairy-tale vision of turrets, towers, oriels, gables and half-timber has jutted forth from the rock framed by a thick forest for all those centuries. What makes Castle Eltz particularly interesting, is that is has been owned by the same family for 33 generations, for some 850 years, and is still owned and maintained by the Eltz family today. The Eltz Forest, a nature reserve of serene beauty, full of rare fauna and flora, surrounds it. It is in the center of an attractive hiking region with the award-winning dream hike "Eltz Castle Panorama," and other walks for any level of fitness.